COLLATERAL CONSEQUENCES OF CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS

CRIMINAL ACTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES. Fines, imprisonment, parole eligibility—these are the direct, court-ordered consequences that we hear about on TV or read about in the newspaper after someone is convicted. But what about the lesser-known effects? Convictions often carry with them hidden and unintended consequences that affect people's future employment opportunities, family and financial stability, access to housing, immigration status, and civic participation.

In the Collateral Consequences of Criminal Convictions Clinic, students will work directly with affected individuals to assist them in overcoming these social, economic, and legal barriers. Students will interview and counsel clients, conduct research, hone their legal writing, collaborate with other legal professionals, build consensus, and litigate on their clients' behalf.

In addition to individual client representation, students will also engage in policy work and community education about collateral consequences. These opportunities will help to reduce the detrimental effect of these consequences and will allow the students to contribute to an often-overlooked segment of the population.

After the penalty has been paid, an individual shouldn't be barred from finding a job, renting an apartment, or supporting a family. You can help lessen these social and economic stigmas resulting from criminal charges.